Stickers, Stamptags, Taptags or Stickits... Twitter is testing a new image editing tool
Sometimes sharing a plain old image just isn't enough. Sometimes you might feel the need to adorn an otherwise dull image with clipart-style graphics. Sound like you? If so you're going to love the sound of a new image tool Twitter is testing... if not, brace yourself for an influx of irritation in you timeline.
Currently being referred to as Stickers (sound familiar?) -- although names including Stamptags, Taptags or Stickits are also in the running -- the tool is undergoing testing with a select group of tweeters. It allows users to add graphic overlays to photos and also introduces some extra social features in a bid to stand out from other tools available elsewhere. Meme creator, anyone?
Sitefinity delivers improved content management and customer analytics
In modern fast-moving business environments, marketers need to be able to respond quickly to changes and deliver appropriate content.
To help deliver this ability, business transformation specialist Progress is releasing new versions of its Telerik Sitefinity platform for content management and customer analytics.
Ginni the Eagle: IBM’s corporate 'transformation'
I promised a follow-up to my post from last week about IBM’s massive layoffs and here it is. My goal is first to give a few more details of the layoff primarily gleaned from many copies of their separation documents sent to me by laid-off IBMers, but mainly I’m here to explain the literal impossibility of Big Blue’s self-described "transformation" that’s currently in process. My point is not that transformations can’t happen, but that IBM didn’t transform the parts it should and now it’s probably too late.
First let’s take a look at the separation docs. Whether you give a damn about IBM or not, if you work for a big company this is worth reading because it may well become an archetype for getting rid of employees. What follows is my summary based on having the actual docs reviewed by several lawyers.
Google will launch Android Pay in the UK 'in the next few months'
Ready to compete with the already-established Apple Pay, Google's Android Pay is due to make its first foray into Europe when it launches in the UK in the coming months. To make things easy for retailers, Android Pay can be accepted anywhere that already supports contactless payments.
In addition to places such as Starbucks, Costa, KFC and Waitrose, Android Pay can also be used to pay for Tube, bus and train journey with Transport for London. The UK debt will follow a successful US launch and growth into Australia, but Google has not yet revealed whether the reward schemes enjoyed by those in the US will also make their way to the UK.
Freeware screen recorder oCam adds mouse click effects
Freeware desktop capture and recorder tool oCam has been updated to version 254 with new mouse effects. It’s now possible to highlight left and right mouse clicks with various animations, making your actions much clearer to the viewer.
This is all very configurable, with five animation styles, your choice of color, size and duration, and a preview window to simulate the results.
Avram Miller on the death of Intel's Andy Grove
Avram Miller, who is my friend and neighbor here in rural Sonoma County, wrote a very insightful post on the passing of Andy Grove.
It’s well worth reading.
Can malware detect that it's running in your sandbox?
If you think an application is suspicious, then you might run it in a sandbox, a virtual machine, maybe use a debugger, and watch what it does. And if nothing happens then that means it’s safe. Right?
Well, maybe not. Malware will often try to detect this kind of trickery, and if it thinks it’s being watched, won’t do anything to raise an alarm.
Demand for IT security pros is rising in UK
The tech talent shortage the UK is faced with nowadays is no small problem, as the demand for IT security experts reaches new heights.
According to a new research by recruitment finance provider Sonovate, IT security professionals are currently the most wanted workers in the UK’s growing jobs market.
Google kills Chrome app launcher for Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X, and Linux
During the Windows 8 era, I was very worried about that operating system -- the UI and design choices were troubling. Luckily, as a longtime Linux user, I was not tied to any Microsoft OS. Unfortunately for some consumers, Linux-based operating systems can be difficult to install and use, while Mac computers are very expensive. Chrome OS and the inexpensive Chromebooks swooped in to save the day.
For those that stuck it out with Windows, or used other desktop operating systems, Google introduced a Chrome OS-like launcher -- the unimaginatively named Chrome app launcher. It allows Windows, Mac, and Linux users to launch Chrome apps from within their OS' native UI -- it sort of felt like Chrome OS running inside of them. Today, Google kills this project.
Some UK developers believe recruiters lack IT knowledge
The shortage of tech talent in the UK is not as straightforward as we thought -- it’s not just about the country not having enough actual people. The problem is also in the recruiters, a new and comprehensive study suggests.
The study was done by the Stack Overflow website for developers, and surveyed more than 56,000 people living in 173 countries. According to the survey, 73 percent of developers in the UK are either actively looking for new jobs, or are "open to new opportunities".
Microsoft extends support for Intel Skylake systems running Windows 7, Windows 8.1
Microsoft has decided to reverse its position regarding support of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 on systems using Intel’s Skylake platform.
In January, the company said that it would only guarantee full extended support for Skylake systems running Windows 7 and 8.1 until 17 July 2017. Microsoft now plans to offer full extended support for these systems for one more year, until 17 July 2018.
Samson launches Go Mic Connect portable laptop-focused USB microphone on Indiegogo
If you are a vlogger, podcaster, or someone who video chats while on the go, you know that a quality microphone is key. Sure, a good camera or webcam is essential, but if people can't hear you well, their interest will fade quickly.
Today, Samson announces a new laptop-focused portable microphone (it can also work with desktop monitors), called the Go Mic Connect. This should meet the needs of many on-the-go vloggers, podcasters and communicators. Unfortunately, the product is not yet publicly available, as the company is instead leveraging crowdfunding to make it a reality.
VIZIO P-series 4K TV displays have integrated 'Google Cast' technology
While smart televisions and displays are becoming more commonplace, it is becoming increasingly clear that they are not created equal. In other words, there are varying degrees of "smart", meaning some TVs have features that others don't.
I recently purchased a curved Samsung 4K display for my living room, and while it is amazing, it doesn't have a feature that I would really appreciate -- the ability to use Google Cast. Sure, I can connect a Chromecast dongle, but that is not elegant. Today, VIZIO announces its new P-series 4K displays, which have Google's technology built in. In addition, the company is integrating this casting feature into some of its speakers and soundbars.
Thycotic plans $100 million security software giveaway
Privileged accounts exist in all areas of business IT and if compromised they can provide an external attacker or dishonest insider access to sensitive data.
Account management company Thycotic wants to help businesses protect themselves and so is giving away a no-cost version of its Secret Server package to guard against attacks that target privileged accounts.
Braven BVR-XXL hopes to bring rugged design coupled with big sound
I know what you're thinking, "another Bluetooth speaker". Yes, there is a flood of them on the market. We've had our fair share pass through the BetaNews office and most are comparable and a few even stood out for one reason or another.
Now Braven is announcing its latest offering. It's a name that's no stranger to us, we've reviewed previous models. This one is a bit different though.
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